The close of 1925 marked the end of the mayoral leadership
in Oberlin's government. While the mayor retained a ceremonial role in local
politics, real power switched to the hands of an appointed city manager in
an attempt to have a less partisan form of government. The city
manager form of government was initiated in Oberlin in the 1920s with
Don Herrick first serving in the position.

Source: Wilbur H. Phillips, Oberlin Colony: The Story
of a Century (Oberlin, 1933).